Molluscum contagiosum is a common skin disorder that can easily spread from one person to another. Almost anyone is susceptible to this skin ailment but children and sexually active people carry the most risk of contracting molluscum contagiosum.
Home Remedies for Molluscum Contagiosum
Despite being able to disappear in a couple of months, the tiny bumps can be treated easily in the comfort of one’s home using any of the following remedies.
- Apply salicylic acid directly on the bumps to accelerate the disintegration. This method is widely popular and is often the first course of treatment for molluscum.
- Doctors will prescribe self-administered prescription topical medicines to be applied on the bumps.
- Povidone-iodine, an antiseptic used for treating wounds, can be applied to the irritated areas. Though it is strongly discouraged for open infections or broken skin.
- Essential oils can help reduce the appearance of the skin lesions. One such product is Australian Lemon Myrtle mixed with olive oil and applied for 3 weeks.
- Tea tree oil works as an astringent to stop the spread of the lesions. For a more soothing experience, drop tea tree oil in the bath and soak for at least 15 minutes.
Causes of Molluscum Contagiosum
- Molluscum contagiosum is usually transmitted through direct contact with an infected individual or his personal belongings.
- The virus that causes it, pox virus, is the also the culprit behind chicken pox, which explains similarities between the two skin ailments.
- People can also get the disease through places with poor hygienic standards. Dirty bathrooms and swimming pools can carry the virus.
Stages of Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum works in three stages
- On the first stage, the marks resemble tiny bumps, which look like goose bumps.
- The bumps will progress into the second stage where the lesions now look like flattened moles.
- When the lesions look like pimples, it signifies the onset of the third stage.
- Extra attention should be given to the patient to prevent him from scratching the bumps and risk infection and widespread contamination.
- Bumps usually disappear within 6 to 12 months.
Other Treatments of Molluscum Contagiosum
- Cryotherapy is the process of freezing the cells using liquid nitrogen or nitrous oxide.
- Benzoyl peroxide is a famous home remedy for this skin disorder.
- Doctors can drain the contagious fluid inside the bumps, so it dries up quickly.